Hyundai-Kia Motors Are the First Global Automotive Manufacturers to Join the Open Invention Network Community

DURHAM, NC--(Marketwired - Dec 10, 2015) - Open Invention Network (OIN), the largest patent non-aggression community in history, announced today that Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation are joining OIN as community members. Recognized as leaders in quality and innovation, Hyundai and Kia are the first global automobile brands to join OIN. Their industry leadership and participation in OIN will pioneer open source innovation and patent non-aggression in the rapidly evolving automotive and Internet-of-Things platforms.

"The pace of adoption of Linux and open source technologies in the intelligent vehicle and Internet-of-Things industries is unprecedented. While automotive and consumer device manufacturers have historically designed and built proprietary platforms from the ground-up, these communities are benefiting from the innovation and collaboration inherent in open technologies that speed new features, drive quality, power interoperability and lower costs," said Keith Bergelt, CEO of Open Invention Network. "We greatly appreciate Hyundai-Kia Motors' automotive industry leadership in joining OIN and supporting patent non-aggression. Hyundai and Kia are demonstrating their commitment to open source software and the associated development efforts that benefit the automotive market, consumer device industries and ultimately consumers."

"We believe Linux and open source technologies are increasingly important in today's intelligent vehicles," said Eon Youl Shin, Director of Intellectual Property Development Group at Hyundai Motor Company. "Hyundai-Kia Motors are both committed to offering the highest-quality, intelligent vehicle platforms that leverage Linux and open source technologies. By joining the Open Invention Network, we will use the opportunity to further develop its infotainment platform. Moreover, we will help to ensure the ongoing development of open solutions that stimulate growth in the automotive industry."

OIN's community practices patent non-aggression in core Linux and adjacent open source technologies by cross-licensing Linux System patents to one another on a royalty-free basis. Patents owned by Open Invention Network are similarly licensed royalty-free to any organization that agrees not to assert its patents against the Linux System. The OIN license can be signed online at http://www.j-oin.com/.

About Hyundai Motor CompanyEstablished in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is committed to becoming a lifetime partner in automobiles and beyond. The company, which leads the Hyundai Motor Group, an innovative business structure capable of circulating resources from molten iron to finished cars, offers top-quality best-sellers such as Elantra, Sonata and Genesis. Hyundai Motor has eight manufacturing bases and seven design & technical centers worldwide and in 2014, sold 4.96 million vehicles globally. With almost 100,000 employees worldwide, Hyundai Motor continues to enhance its product line-up with localized models and strives to strengthen its leadership in clean technology, starting with the world's first mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle, ix35 Fuel Cell.

About Kia Motors CorporationKia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 180 countries. Kia today has around 49,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of nearly US$45 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA -- the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

About Open Invention Network Open Invention Network (OIN) is the largest patent non-aggression community in history and supports freedom of action in Linux as a key element of open source software. Funded by Google, IBM, NEC, Philips, Red Hat, Sony and SUSE, OIN has more than 1,800 OIN community members and owns more than 1,000 global patents and applications. The OIN patent license and member cross-licenses are available royalty free to any party that joins the OIN community.